Topeka VA’s hospital to expand emergency room

TOPEKA — The Topeka Veteran Affairs’ hospital is planning a $4.5 million modernization project this fall.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports internal emails it obtained show the project entails expanding the emergency department, including private patient bays, a central physician and nursing hub, and a dedicated waiting space for families.

Chief of staff Alexander Hallock says funds have been allocated for the two-year project.

The project comes as the hospital struggles with a staffing shortage. The emergency room was closed from January 2014 to late June 2015 because of the staffing shortage.